WB POST-POLL VIOLENCE: CBI ANNOUNCES MORE CASH REWARDS, SUMMONS TMC WORKERS

The Central Bureau of Investigation Special Crime Branch has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 each against four more absconding accused in two separate murder cases at Shitalkuchi and Nalhati during post-poll violence in the state, informed CBI DIG, Akhilesh Singh.

“Today the central investigating agency has announced Rs 50,000 per absconding accused persons who are wanted in two separate murder cases under post-poll violence cases. A non-bailable warrant issued by the court a few months ago,” Singh told ANI. “Zahedi Hasan alias Chhotan, resident of ward number 8 of Nalhati, district Birbhum, and Faruk Ali alias Badol resident of ward number 8 of Nalhati, Birbhum district has been announced as absconding in a murder case that took place after the assembly election in Nalhati,” he added.

“Besides this, Shyamal Barman and Naba Kumar Barman both residents of Shitalkuchi have been announced as absconding in a murder case that took place in Coochbehar district. He said that they will be the reward money to anyone who can give any information about the absconding accused,” he added.

The CBI has also claimed to keep secret the identity of the informer. The central investigating agency requested to communicate over the phone or via email if there is any information regarding these absconding accused in postal violence cases, he stated.

“On post-poll violence allegation, more than 50 accused in separate cases has been absconding to date,” the CBI informed.

Meanwhile, Anubrata Mondal, Trinamool district president of Birbhum, avoided appearing for the second time despite being summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He said he was “sick” and could not attend. According to CBI sources, Anubrat was called in to probe the murder case of Gaurab Sarkar, a BJP activist from Gopalnagar in Ilambazar, Birbhum.

Last Friday, January 26, the CBI also summoned Anubrat Mandal. However, he did not appear to be ‘ill’ that day.

Trinamool leader Anubrat Mandal approached the High Court seeking relief from the CBI. He promised to help in the investigation. But Anubrat Mandal, the Trinamool president of Birbhum district, filed a case in the High Court seeking that no action be taken against him. The CBI has already sent a notice to Anubrat Mandal in the post-poll unrest case. The case will be heard in court on Thursday.

Abhishek Banerjee’s assistant Sumit Roy was also summoned on Tuesday. Roy appeared at the first notice. Sumit appeared at the Nizam’s Palace on Tuesday at the first notice after the extension and he was also interrogated for several hours.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her displeasure over the CBI calling the Trinamool district president on the occasion. She alleged that the CBI was active again because the municipal polls are coming.

With agency inputs.